Barcelona vs Malaga. Spanish La Liga.
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Saturday 21 October 2017 19:42, UK
Top of the table Barcelona will face rock bottom Malaga in La Liga this weekend, live on Sky Sports, as Ernesto Valverde reflects on his first 100 days as manager.
The Barcelona coach joked that his start at the club has "not been boring", having overseen 10 wins and a draw in his opening 11 games that puts them four points clear at the summit and on course for the knockout stages of the Champions League.
But Valverde has also had to deal with the acrimonious departure of Neymar just days into his tenure - prompting fan anger towards the club board - as well as the ongoing political turmoil surrounding Catalonia's push for independence.
"These 100 days have not been boring," Valverde said with a smile during his pre-match press conference. "Let's hope the next 100 are quieter.
"Our intention is to be strong in La Liga and then to win everything. But to win everything, the first thing is La Liga, which is what we have in front of us."
Saturday's match - live on Sky Sports Football - appears to pose little danger on paper as Barcelona face rock-bottom Malaga, who have taken just one point from eight league games all season.
However, Malaga have a decent record against Barcelona, having won their last meeting in April and drawn the one before in November.
"It's something to keep in mind," Valverde said. "Malaga have done a good job against Barca regardless of which coach they have. They come in need, last with one point."
Malaga coach Michel promised his team would travel to Barcelona with every intention of playing for the points on offer, although Andres Prieto will start in goal as Roberto is injured.
"We're going there with our own intentions," he said. "We've been working all week to find solutions and we know that, even so, it's not easy. There are three points at stake and we're going to fight for them as long as we can, and if it's until the end, then all the better."
Malaga's only point to date came in a 3-3 draw with Athletic Bilbao on September 23, which was impressive in its manner as they scored two late goals despite being down to 10 men.
"There's only one way to get out of this situation, and that's with confidence, being responsible and by each player doing their job," Michel added.
"The players came to this conclusion a while ago. I don't know anyone who, in a team sport, gets out of a problem alone. Last season I went all out for my players and did very well for them. This year I'll do the same for the guys, and I want them to know that."
